Sheffield United: Striker’s Lane future is at stake

James Shield

Conor Sammon has admitted he is playing for his footballing future after outlining plans to secure a permanent contract with Sheffield United by leading them to promotion this term.

The centre-forward, who is on a season long loan from Derby County, has been told his contract at the iPro Stadium will not be renewed when it expires next summer and, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s fixture against Bury, revealed he wants to remain with Nigel Adkins’ side.

“Absolutely, yes,” Sammon told The Star. “I’m an ambitious player and I want to compete at the highest level I possibly can. That’s the same attitude the manager here has, the coaching staff and the group as a whole.

“There’s really no better feeling than when you come off the pitch with three points. We’ve done that back to back a few times now and we’ve got to keep building on that and trying to improve.”

United enter the meeting with Bury hoping to record their fifth consecutive victory in League One competition after beating the likes of Swindon Town and Chesterfield last month.

Sammon, a Republic of Ireland international, said: “When you’re a striker in a team that’s creating chances, with players who can go one on one with pace, power and who can cross the ball, it’s very exciting times. I’m really upbeat about our prospects this season but, equally, it’s very early stages and you can’t get ahead of yourself in football. Really, you are only as good as your last game. The manager will make sure that we are equipped.”

“Every football fan wants their team to play good attacking football,” Sammon added. “To get goals and get them off their seats. That’s what we’re looking to do. I want to be a real threat and get behind people.

“We’ve got to get better every week, get fitter, stronger and really gel, get to know each others’ games as best we can.”